Two masked cold blooded killers burst into a house and shot Wayne Boylan in the head in Warrenpoint last night (Friday).
Wayne’s friend, a 21-year-old woman was hit by pellets in the face and neck. She has undergone emergency surgery in hospital and remains critically ill in intensive care.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce is appealing for information following the brutal murder.
Wayne was enjoying an evening at his friend’s home in Lower Dromore Road at around 7:30pm.
The pair, who were masked, fired at Wayne with what police believe to be a shogun, striking him in the head and fatally injuring him. He died at the scene. Pellets from the blasts also struck the woman.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said this was a senseless and callous murder perpetrated on a completely unsuspecting man.
“Wayne was a father and his two young children have been left without their father. He was a son, a brother and a friend. His murder has caused his family and friends immeasurable pain and their lives will be forever changed by his loss,” he said.
Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said no clear motive for the attack on Wayne has been identified, and he is appealing directly to those who may have information about his murder.
“Do you know the people involved? Please tell us what you know.
“Were you in the Lower Dromore Road area last night between 6pm and 8pm ? Did you see the gunmen or any unusual vehicles in the area? Did you see any vehicles being driven erratically in the area of Lower Dromore Road or the dual carriageway between Newry and Warrenpoint yesterday evening around 7:30pm? Please tell us what you saw.
“We want to be able to give answers to a grieving family. To give them justice by putting his murderers behind bars,” he said.
He added that he wished the woman a speedy recovery and said that their thoughts are with her family.
The Major Investigation Team can be contacted by calling 02844 611001. Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously.